Jonestown Pt. 1

From creating costly “healing instruments” to engaging in group sex activities, the Gentle Wind Project claimed to address traumas through spiritual energy work in the 1980s and ‘90s. When former members spoke out about the cult’s abuse, it disbanded, only to reemerge in 2007. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

23 Maalis 202144min

Known as “Babu” to locals, former pastor Ambilikile Mwasapile gained international attention after claiming in 2010 that he had found a cure for cancer, diabetes and AIDS. His alleged medical breakthrough was inspired by divine dreams — but it cost potentially thousands of people their lives.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

16 Maalis 202137min

Around 2007, a new miracle healer stepped on stage in Brazil, claiming to cure cancer, heart disease, and HIV. Followers flocked from all over the world… But the healer wasn't a traditional preacher, or even a flashy snake oil salesman. She was a 3-year-old girl named Alani Santos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

9 Maalis 202136min

Ukrainian psychotherapist Anatoly Kashpirovsky led hypnotic TV healing sessions in the late 1980s and ‘90s, drawing millions of viewers across Eastern Europe. He laid low after a series of controversies — but made his comeback in 2009, and is still allegedly healing the masses on his hit YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2 Maalis 202140min

Described as “hypnotic” and “disarming,” George Feigley used his silver tongue to convince countless people that he was a scholar and religious figurehead. In 1976, he was charged with statutory rape and imprisoned — but it was far from the end of his cultish offenses.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

23 Helmi 202145min

In 1959, George King traveled to Los Angeles to complete his interstellar mission. He spent decades cultivating faithful followers as he traveled to astral planes, channeled alien entities, and battled against galactic beings beyond comprehension.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

16 Helmi 202142min

When an angel appeared before him in a dark forest, George King knew his life would be special. That mystical meeting was just the start: Over the years, King began communicating with beings from other planets, all while building a devoted following. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

9 Helmi 202143min

In the 1980s, rigorous training and illegal weapons turned Ellison’s once peaceful commune into a murderous militia. As they carried out acts of terrorism and plotted attacks on the government, their actions did not go unnoticed — or unanswered.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2 Helmi 202146min